Publication: Evaluation of strengthening mathematics and science Education programme in secondary schools in Bungoma-Central Sub-County, Bungoma County Kenya.
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2014-05
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Mount Kenya University
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Abstract
Effective teaching in secondary schools is no longer dependent on qualified teachers but on the
quality of teachers who ensure learners score excellent grades, sound knowledge and have practical
skills at the end of their secondary school cycle. Increased competition in society has led to a rise
in minimum entry points to university education, should be reflected in attainment of quality
grades in secondary schools. It is important to note that there has been poor performance in
mathematics and science subjects which is a major source of concern to the government, parents
and educators in the country. It is due to this dismal performance that in-service training for science
and mathematics teachers through SMASSE program was found necessary. The objectives of this
study were to determine students‟ attitude towards mathematics and science subjects in secondary
schools in Bungoma central sub-county Bungoma county; investigate the extent to which the
teachers of mathematics and science had embraced SMASSE insets and its ideals; and to assess
the worth of SMASSE program in terms of finances, the energy and the time invested in the
program. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the SMASSE INSET teaching and learning
program of mathematics and science subjects in secondary schools in Bungoma Central sub-
county. The study was significant in availing information about SMASSE program to the
stakeholders so that they can understand how the program has performed viz avis` its aims and
objectives. Independent variables included students‟ attitude towards mathematics and sciences,
teachers‟ willingness to embrace SMASSE ideals and the general worth of the SMASSE program
against the improved academic performance, better teaching methods and change of attitude as
depicted in the conceptual framework. The study was grounded on the social constructivist theory
about social interaction. Teachers of mathematics and science interact with other experienced
teachers and facilitators at the IN-SET and in turn interact with students back in schools to bring
about meaningful learning as explained by the theory. The study employed descriptive survey
research design. The target population was all the mathematics and science subjects‟ teachers and
students in secondary schools in Bungoma Central sub-county in Bungoma County. The sample
comprised 16 teachers of mathematics and science subjects and 410 students drawn from
secondary schools. Stratified random sampling and purposive sampling methods were used to
obtain a representative sample. Data were collected using questionnaires and documentary
analysis. The questionnaire items were open-ended and close–ended. These questionnaires were
administered with a lot of confidentiality and informed consent. Quantitative data collected were
analyzed using descriptive statistics mainly mean, mode and percentages. The research established
that students‟ attitude towards mathematics and science had not changed from negative to positive
as had been envisaged by SMASSE IN-SET Program. It was concluded that the Program was yet
to achieve much in making teachers practice some aspects of the IN-SET such as teaching and
learning of mathematics and science subjects being student centered. It is recommended that the
way the SMASSE IN-SET is conducted should be reinvented with a view of motivating the
participants and making them own the program. This will make it possible for SMASSE IN-SET
program to achieve its set objectives.
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Educational planning, Management